These party snacks feature tender cheese-filled tortellini tossed in olive oil, garlic powder and Italian herbs, then baked until they’re golden and crisp. They make an easy appetizer I’m proud to bring out when friends stop by—everyone digs in immediately!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I can have this ready in about half an hour, which makes it perfect for a last-minute gathering. The exterior becomes lightly crisp while the cheese-filled pasta stays soft inside, giving a fun contrast of textures. Plus I can serve it with any dip I like and switch up the tortellini filling if I want variety.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
9 oz (≈ 255 g) cheese tortellini (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil and thyme)
½ cup (≈ 50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Directions
Preheat my oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions until al dente; then drain and let it cool slightly.
In a large bowl I toss the cooked tortellini with the olive oil, garlic powder and dried Italian herbs until each piece is lightly coated.
I spread the seasoned tortellini evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
I bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the tortellini pieces turn golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.
I transfer them to a serving platter, sprinkle with the grated Parmesan, and serve warm with the marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Servings and Timing
Total time: about 30 minutes (≈10 minutes prep + ≈20 minutes bake)
Yield: serves approximately 4 people
Variations
I like to change things up sometimes—here are a few ideas:
Substitute spinach- or mushroom-filled tortellini instead of cheese-filled to give a different flavor.
Use fresh herbs (like chopped basil or thyme) right after baking for a brighter herb taste.
Add a spice twist: I sometimes sprinkle smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for heat.
Offer alternate dips: besides marinara, I’ll serve pesto, garlic aioli or ranch for variety.
Storage/Reheating
If I make extra:
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
To reheat: I place them in a 350 °F (≈175 °C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness. (Microwaving is faster but the exterior becomes soft.)
FAQs
What are Cheese Tortellini Party Snacks?
Cheese Tortellini Party Snacks are bite-sized appetizers made from cheese‐filled tortellini that are seasoned and baked until lightly crisp, perfect for gatherings or casual snacking.
How should I cook the tortellini before baking?
I boil the tortellini according to the package instructions—usually until they float or are al dente. Then I drain them and immediately toss them with the seasonings and oil so they’re ready for the baking step.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes — I can cook the tortellini and toss with seasonings in advance, refrigerate them, and then bake just before serving so they’re warm and crisp.
What dips pair well with these snacks?
Marinara sauce is classic. I’ve also served them with pesto, garlic aioli or a creamy ranch, and they all work beautifully with that cheese-filled pasta.
Can I change the filling or pasta type?
Absolutely. I sometimes use spinach-filled or mushroom-filled tortellini instead of cheese‐filled for a twist. You could also try a different shaped stuffed pasta, though the cooking time may vary slightly.
Conclusion
I love how straightforward these Cheese Tortellini Party Snacks are—they hit every mark: cheesy, savory, fun to eat, and quick to put together. Whether I’m hosting friends, enjoying a movie night, or simply wanting a treat, these always deliver. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do.
Cheese tortellini tossed with olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian herbs, then baked until golden and crisp—an easy, delicious appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
9 oz (≈ 255 g) cheese tortellini (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil and thyme)
½ cup (≈ 50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, toss the cooked tortellini with olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian herbs until evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned tortellini in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.
Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
Best served warm for optimal crispness and texture.
Can be prepped in advance and baked just before serving.
Try other dips like pesto, ranch, or garlic aioli for variety.
Microwave reheating softens texture; oven is best for crispiness.
